Lift Redfern has launched the next stage of the campaign for lifts at Redfern Station. A key part of the new campaign is an online petition that can be signed at change.org. A feature of this petition is that signatories can make their own comments about why lifts are needed. The petition will be presented to both the Transport Minister and the President of the NSW Upper House.
This is not the same petition as the handwritten one signed by over 11,000 people last year that was designed to generate a debate in State Parliament. Despite the call during the debate for a timetable for the redevelopment of Redfern Station to be provided to the community, no timetable was issued. The online petition calls on the Minister to:
- Announce a commitment for the Redfern station upgrade with a clear and definitive timeframe for its completion;
- As an interim measure, immediately provide lift access under the NSW Transport Access Program to the physically separate underground platforms 11 and 12 as lifts on these platforms are not dependent on a station upgrade.
The long-term solution for lifts on all platforms requires the station upgrade. Lift Redfern is seeking a definite commitment and timeframe for the upgrade, so marginal seat projects do not keep pushing the Redfern upgrade further down the list.
Redfern Station is the second busiest interchange station in Sydney, with 42,000 people passing through every day. It is hence not just an issue for those who live here, it is an issue for those who travel from across the city to Redfern, or who could make quicker connections if they could easily change lines at Redfern.
Lift Redfern is encouraging those who use Redfern Station, but live in marginal and government held seats, to write to their local Liberal or National Party member about the need for access.
